How To Prevent Date Rape

The words Date and Rape just don’t go together, or at least they shouldn’t. While most reported rape cases are those where the perp is a total stranger to the victim, the sad truth is that the majority of unheard stories of rape involve being raped by someone the victim knows.

While a guide or stories from other victims can’t prevent it from happening, there are a few steps that you can take in order to avoid being date raped. Read up on these precautionary measures to better equip you to reduce your changes of falling victim to date rape.

1. Stick to a 2 drink limit in public and at parties

We all know that alcohol decreases your awareness, so when there are strangers around, stick to being sober so you can immediately pick up on someone’s dodgy behavior. The chances of you getting into a sticky situation when you are intoxicated are just that much greater, so if you’re not familiar with the environment or the people there, for your own safety, stay sober.

2. ALWAYS keep an eye on your drink

Leaving your drink unattended or even just a few seconds gives a perpetrator enough time to lace it with a date rape drug like rohypnol or even eye drops, which are tasteless, odorless and have no antidotes, so you’ll be out for a good few hours if you ingest them.

If you have left your drink unattended for a while, never just pick it up and go back to drinking it. Also avoid drinking from communal drink canisters such as punch bowls.

3. Communicate your boundaries very clearly

If you’re not interested in someone, tell them, never just assume that they can take a non-verbal cue.

4. Date people you know, and stick to public places

If you’re going out on the first date, insist on meeting in a public place where there are other people around. Definitely do NOT invite strangers over to your place, and make sure you really get to know the person on a personal level before advancing in the relationship.

The sad truth is that even though women are becoming more vigilant about possible date rape scenarios, the numbers still seem to be on a steady increase. When you go out to nightclubs and parties you should always keep in mind that these are the breeding grounds for sexual predators and you should never assume just because someone seems decent, he might not be all he checks out to be.

If you’re considering leaving the party with someone you met there you should be asking yourself whether you are sure that you won’t be in harm’s way and that you have an escape route when it comes down to it. Always make sure that you have introduced the person to your friends as well and that they know where you will be going in case they need to come and look for you.

As a last resort and final concluding point, always carry pepper spray with you which can be used to ward off anyone that gets too close to comfort.